They had been riding for what felt like hours when Ahlund finally let them stop to rest.

When the steed came to a halt, Justin tried to lift his leg over its back to get out of the saddle but discovered too late that it was cramped into position, and he shrieked some choice words as he fell off.

He landed on his back with a thud, half-buried in the high grass. He didn't bother trying to get up.

Ahlund had led them across the grasslands in winding, zigzagging, illogical ...